Boundary County Sheriff's Office protects community with pride

During 2020 pandemic, much of the country shut down or worked from home that was not an option for the Sheriff’s Office, the men and women of the Boundary County Sheriffs Office continued to provide round the clock coverage and protection to their community. Even with some of the challenges that last year created for everyone, there were new opportunities and the Sheriffs Office strived to make the best of it.

Sheriff Dave Kramer stated “I am extremely proud of all of the men and women that I have the honor of working with at the Sheriff’s office.” One of the major accomplishments last year was being able to move patrol deputies and detectives out of rented space and into the new Boundary County Annex building (old armory building) along with drivers license and civil to the new location. The County obtained ownership of the old armory building with the support of the Commissioners. The back section of the building was able to be remodeled to accommodate not only the above office spaces, but also include office space for the County Veterans Representative, County Emergency Manager, and State Probation Officer. The front space of the annex already housed the County Probation department. Not only was it a relief to get out of paying rent for office space, but the newly remodeled building provides an improved work area for all of those employees. The ultimate goal is to eventually be able to move the rest of the Sheriff’s Office employees including Dispatch to this location which would allow expansion of additional jail bed space at the current jail.

The Sheriffs Office continues to build the backcountry and waterways patrols with the assistance of a great group of volunteer Sheriff’s Reserve Deputies that supplement the regular Patrols. The dedication and hours that these volunteers give to Boundary County in support of the Sheriff’s office mission is outstanding. Sheriff’s Deputies and Reserves will once again be hosting an ATV/ motorcycle off highway certification course this spring for young riders.

Buddy, the Sheriff’s Office drug interdiction dog, along with his partner Cpl. Valenzuela continue to help keep illegal drugs off our streets and out of our schools. We were able to obtain the trained K9 Buddy through a grant from BNRR Foundation.

Dispatch continues to provide professional service to those that have to call for help and in dispatching the appropriate First Responders. Dispatchers are truly the lifeline between those that need help and the First Responders, and the Sheriff’s Office is proud of the quality and professionalism of all the Dispatchers. We are also saddened that one of our own, Tony Navarro, passed away last year, he was like a brother to all that worked with him and he is missed by all of his co-workers.

The jail saw the retirement of Sgt. Jeff Hoff last year, and Bryant Brown was promoted to Detention Sergeant. The jail has once again met the requirements for certification. This is attributed to the hard work and dedication of all of the Detention Deputies. The jail staff consists of seasoned Detention Deputies and some newer to the team, but they make up a very solid group of professionals. The jail is continuing to add new technology to help provide a more cost effective and better service for the inmates and the County.

With an increase of people moving to Boundary County (who can blame them) we have added a part time position to help with the Drivers license office and issuing of concealed weapons permits. Our Driver’s license staff and Civil Deputy are outstanding.

A radar trailer was obtained under a grant last year to help bring awareness to speed limits on roads in the County and will be moved to different locations especially areas that there have been complaints of speeders.

Everyone that works for the Sheriff’s Office or volunteers to help at the Sheriff’s Office strives to give the best service that they can with the right intentions of protecting the public and holding criminals accountable for their actions, along with a close working relationship with all of the First Responder groups in keeping our County safe.

“Professionalism - It’s not the job you do, it’s how you do the job” Shiv Khera

Dave Kramer is the Boundary County Sheriff.